Bones

Question 1

Vertebral Column

Answer 1

The vertebral column is involved in more than 95 per cent of the movements you make. It comprises 33 bones – 24 are unfused or separate and nine are fused
together to make up the sacrum and coccyx

Question 2

Cervical Vertebrae

Answer 2

These seven unfused bones essentially make up the neck and are responsible for supporting the head. The top two bones – the atlas and axis – allow your head to move up and down and side to side, so that you can nod yes or shake no

Question 3

Thoracic Vertebrae

Answer 3

These 12 unfused bones connect the rib cage to the spinal column and form a protective shield for the heart and lungs. The first seven pairs of ribs attach directly to the sternum to reinforce this shield, and each rib is attached to the others via intercostal muscles, which assist the body to breathe in and out

Question 4

Lumber Vertebrae

Answer 4

These five unfused bones arethe largest of the vertebrae and have a high weight-carrying capacity. They also provide a large attachment site for powerful muscles to pull on.

Question 5

Sacrum

Answer 5

The five fused sacral vertebrae are connected to form the sacrum, which fuses to the pelvis. Together they distribute the weight of the upper body

Question 6

Coccyx

Answer 6

The coccyx is sometimes referred to as the ‘tail bone’, and comprises four fused bones that form the base of the vertebral column. Its main function is to provide a site for muscle attachment to allow a multitude of movements to occur

Question 7

5 types of bones

Answer 7

• flat
• long
• short
• irregular
• sesamoid